Plethysmography

Definition

Plethysmography is a test used to measure changes in volume in different parts of the body. These changes in volume help check blood flow in many body parts. This test may be done to check for blood clots in the arms and legs, or to measure how much air you can hold in your lungs.

Penile pulse volume recording is a type of plethysmography done on the penis to check for causes of erectile dysfunction.

Review Date:
11/21/2010
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.